The latest Ponderings from Paducah is from City Engineer Greg Guebert who gives us a tour of the Riverfront Redevelopment Project (BUILD Grant) underway.
Ponderings from Paducah – Visualizing the Riverfront Redevelopment Project
Over the last few weeks, the skyline of Paducah’s waterfront has changed with a large crane visible above the floodwall. Work to construct the Paducah Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project (BUILD grant) riverboat excursion pier is underway. After six years of planning, permitting, and anticipation, the project is in full swing.
Let’s start our project tour at the entrance to the Convention Center at 5th Street and Park Avenue. The newly reconfigured entrance is open. Plus, we now have a new multimodal pathway that takes pedestrians and bicyclists in front of the Quilt Murals and toward the Greenway Trail on the riverfront. Once on the Greenway Trail along the river, take a stroll and notice the work underway including new pathways with seat wall benches that will snake through what will be a green area.
Between the Harrison Street floodwall opening and the transient dock, crews are working on the compass rose. This feature incorporates concrete rings and waves filled with colored pavers to create a compass pattern. Bollards will separate walking/biking areas from driving areas. Next to this feature will be a terraced mound that will provide seating with views of the park and the Ohio River.
As you continue along the trail through Schultz Park, notice the barges anchored in the river. The contractor is building an excursion pier to accommodate a riverboat at various river levels. When the trail is complete, pedestrians can continue to the excursion plaza, which will be made of decorative pavers and features a grand staircase at the large floodwall opening between Broadway and Jefferson.
The project ends at the Broadway floodwall opening, where the pier and walkway terminate, and encourages visitors to enter and enjoy Downtown Paducah.
The BUILD grant project culminates from years of planning and incorporates projects for the Greenway Trail and from the Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan. We are excited to see this project completed in the summer of 2026. For more information including conceptual drawings, visit BUILD Grant.
(written by City Engineer Greg Guebert)
